- Construction of Kenya’s first smart city is on high momentum following new projects set to be undertaken in the next two years.
- In the next three years, the smart city dubbed Konza Techonopolis will have an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) as well as an integrated control centre.
- Korea and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding to kick-off the EIPP program for Kenya and today marks the official start of the 2nd year.
Construction of Kenya’s first smart city has received a boost following the agreement of new projects set to be undertaken in the next two years. The Kenyan government signed four Economic Innovation Partnership Programs (EIPP) with the Korean government.
The deal includes installation of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) as well as an integrated control centre to be set up within the next three years connecting Konza – Nairobi Corridor Transport System.
Kenya’s ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo lauded the partnership progress between the two countries and noted that the EIPP projects will further boost the government’s agenda on the digital economy.
“The initiative marks yet another great milestone in the development of Konza Technopolis and for the transformation of Kenya through technology and innovation. This launch, today, follows the successful implementation of Year One Projects under the program last year, after the signing of the governing MOU,” he said.
In March 2022, Korea and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding to kick-off the EIPP program for Kenya and today marks the official start of the 2nd year.
EIPP is an extended cooperation grant model from the Korean government meant to foster mutually beneficial relationships between partner countries and Korea.
EIPP maximizes business effectiveness by promoting policy advice for system improvement and implementation of the projects identified. The program supports two to three projects annually for a maximum of three years, focusing on establishing mid and long-term development strategies, improving laws and systems, planning infrastructure, and financing plans.
The 2022/23 Kenya-Korea EIPP will be implemented by the Korea Trade-Investment & Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) on behalf of the Governments of Korea and Kenya respectively.
“The Republic of Korea remains committed to sharing its experience and technical expertise to help Kenya achieve the goals of the Vision 2030 development blueprint and beyond,” said Park Chul Ho, the Director General, Development Cooperation Office (KOTRA).
On his part, John Paul Okwiri, Konza Technopolis Development Authority Ag. CEO, noted that they are glad to undertake the EIPP projects and they are on the right track to develop the city.
“We are glad to have this launch today. At Konza Technopolis, we are accelerating the impact of the project and the implementation of the second year projects is a boost to the project in general,” he said.
John Mbugua, Principal Secretary, State Department for Roads who was also in attendance during the event noted that the government is committed to supporting the project especially in the development of the roads infrastructure to the smart city as part of the wider national infrastructure development for the country.
When completed, Konza Technopolis will be a world-class technology hub, home to leading companies in education, life sciences, telecom, and BPO/ITES. Commercial space for these uses will be complemented by diverse residential neighborhoods, hotels, a variety of retail offerings, community facilities, and other public amenities.
Konza Technopolis will be a walkable city, one that includes high-quality public spaces, active and varied amenities, and short commute times between destinations.
Some of the projects in the city that are about to be completed include the The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) which is currently at the construction stage for the university physical infrastructure. The school is expected to take the first students sometime next year.
